System and method for analyzing a powertrain configuration

ABSTRACT

A powertrain optimization device and method that compares a predicted performance of customer-selected vehicle components to a customer-selected optimization goal. The optimization goal is used to determine dynamic performance thresholds. The method compares gradability at cruise, gradability at peak torque, engine speed, and startability to the dynamic thresholds to determine whether the vehicle performance will be satisfactory. The customer selections of vehicle components, selections of optimization goals, and any acknowledgements of failed performance checks are stored for later use.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/010638, filed Jan. 20, 2011, the entire disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

When ordering certain types of vehicles, such as trucks, a customer maybe presented with a wide variety of vehicle configuration options. Forexample, with respect to a vehicle powertrain, a customer may be able toselect from a variety of available engines, transmissions, axles, tires,and the like. While a given manufacturer may offer a wide variety ofeach of these components, it may not be immediately clear whichparticular selections are viable for use in combination with otherparticular selections. With the demand for vehicle configurabilityduring the ordering process comes a need to assist customers indetermining what particular vehicle configurations are appropriate.

Some existing systems may review selections made by a customer todetermine whether selected components are capable of functioningtogether, or may recommend certain components based upon prior customerinputs. However, none of the existing systems address the nonintuitivenature of selecting components to optimize performance of a powertrain.Each selected component may affect performance in ways that depend onother component selections, and therefore the effect of choosing a givencomponent may not be easily understood. What is needed is a system thatguides a customer through a process of selecting powertrain componentsthat, in combination, will meet performance optimization goals of thecustomer.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a nontransitorycomputer-readable medium is provided. The computer-readable medium hascomputer-executable instructions stored thereon that, if executed by oneor more processors of a computing device, cause the computing device toperform actions for receiving vehicle powertrain configurationselections. The actions comprise receiving at least one specificationvalue; receiving at least one expected use value; determining one ormore powertrain optimization goals achievable with the at least onespecification value for the at least one expected use value; andtransmitting the one or more powertrain optimization goals forpresentation.

In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a computer-implementedmethod of optimizing a vehicle powertrain is provided. The methodcomprises obtaining a set of specification values and an optimizationgoal, and obtaining a set of additional configuration options compatiblewith the set of specification values. For each additional configurationoption of the set of additional configuration options, a test valueassociated with the additional configuration option is calculated basedon the optimization goal. The set of additional configuration options ispresented along with an indication of which additional configurationoptions of the set of additional configuration options are associatedwith a positive test value.

In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, a system isprovided, the system comprising one or more computer processors, amemory, and a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium hascomputer-executable components stored thereon that, if executed by oneor more of the computer processors, cause the system to perform actionsfor optimizing a vehicle powertrain during an ordering process. Theactions comprise receiving a selection of one or more specificationvalues representing vehicle components; receiving information regardingan expected use of the vehicle; receiving a selection of an optimizationgoal; displaying one or more rear axle ratios compatible with the one ormore specification values, along with an indication of which of the oneor more rear axle ratios meet the selected optimization goal; andreceiving a selection of a rear axle ratio.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This summary is not intended to identify key features ofthe claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid indetermining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of thisdisclosure will become better understood by reference to the followingdetailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein: FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a system forassisting a customer to configure a vehicle powertrain, according tovarious aspects of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 2A-2H illustrate one embodiment of a method of designing a vehiclepowertrain according to various aspects of the present disclosure; and

FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate embodiments of a powertrain optimizationinterface according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system and a method forconfiguring a vehicle powertrain. Embodiments of the present disclosurecollect vehicle configuration information and desired optimization goalsfrom a customer. Such embodiments also present an analysis of whetherthe vehicle, as configured, meets the optimization goal whilemaintaining a baseline performance level. The vehicle configuration canthen be changed further, and real-time feedback on how changing theconfiguration affects the performance and optimization of the vehicle ispresented to the customer. The final configuration, along with anyacknowledgement made by the customer to ignore optimization goals, canbe added to an order for the vehicle to provide information fortroubleshooting future customer problems.

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a system for assisting a customerto configure a vehicle powertrain. A customer 92 uses a client computingdevice 90 to connect to a powertrain configuration device 100. Theclient computing device 90 may be any type of computing device capableof connecting to the powertrain configuration device 100 and capable ofpresenting an interface to the customer 92. In the illustratedembodiment, the client computing device 90 is a desktop computer thatincludes one or more processors, a memory, computer-readable storagemedia, a display device, and a network interface. In another embodiment,the client computing device 90 is some other type of computing devicehaving a display, at least one processor, and a memory. Examples ofother types of computing devices include a laptop computer, a tabletcomputer, a mobile device, a point-of-sale system, and the like. Theclient computing device 90 may connect to the powertrain configurationdevice 100 via a standard web browser or through a stand-alone program.

In the illustrated embodiment, the customer 92 uses the client computingdevice 90 directly to access the powertrain configuration device 100.However, in another embodiment, the customer 92 may use an agent, suchas a vehicle salesperson in a showroom, to operate the client computingdevice 90. Such changes in how the customer 92 provides the informationto the powertrain configuration device 100 are within the scope of theappended claims.

-   -   The powertrain configuration device 100 may be any type of        computing device configurable to execute the components        described below and to communicate with the client computing        device 90. In one embodiment, the powertrain configuration        device 100 is a server computer having one or more processors, a        memory, computer-readable storage media, and a network        interface. In another embodiment, the powertrain configuration        device 100 is a different type of computer, such as a laptop        computer, a desktop computer, and the like. In yet another        embodiment, the components of the powertrain configuration        device 100 may be executed on more than one computing device, or        may be executed by the client computing device 90.

The powertrain configuration device 100 includes components such as aninterface component 102, a selection processing component 104, avalidation component 106, and an order processing component 110. Theinterface component 102 is configured to communicate with the othercomponents of the powertrain configuration device 100. The interfacecomponent 102 also presents an interface rendered by the clientcomputing device 90 to the customer 92 to allow the customer 92 toconfigure and order a powertrain. The selection processing component 104is configured to obtain possible powertrain configuration options fromwhich the customer 92 can choose, and then to process the selectionsmade by the customer 92. The validation component 106 is configured toperform calculations on the selections received by the selectionprocessing component 104 in order to determine whether variousperformance and optimization goals can be achieved by the selectedpowertrain configuration. After powertrain components have been selectedby the customer 92, the order processing component 110 can convert thoseselections into an order to be fulfilled by an order fulfillmentpipeline (not pictured).

In one embodiment, each of the “components” discussed above as parts ofthe powertrain configuration device 100 include a computing device or aportion of a computing device specially programmed withcomputer-executable instructions that, if executed by the computingdevice, cause the computing device to perform the actions associatedwith the component as discussed below. In one embodiment, thefunctionality of components depicted as being separate may be performedby a single component, and in another embodiment, the functionality of acomponent depicted as a single component may be split between multiplecomponents. Components of the powertrain configuration device 100 aredescribed as presenting information. In the illustrated embodiments,presenting information is shown in the context of a point-and-clickcomputer interface display. Other forms of presentation, such astransmitting information to another computing device to create such adisplay, presenting information in a different type of interface, andthe like, are within the scope of the appended claims.

-   -   The powertrain configuration device 100 also includes a        performance data store 108 and an order data store 112. The        performance data store 108 includes detailed information        concerning the performance characteristics of the powertrain        components available for selection by the customer 92. In one        embodiment, the performance data store 108 includes a plurality        of look-up tables regarding the performance characteristics of        various combinations of customer selections. Possible contents        of such look-up tables are described further below. In another        embodiment, the performance data store 108 includes data        identifying the individual performance characteristics of        powertrain components, from which other components of the        powertrain configuration device 100 can compute the mutual        performance of combinations of those components. The order data        store 112 is configured to store information identifying        components selected by the customer 92, optimization goals        selected by the customer 92, and any acknowledgement submitted        by the customer 92 to ignore those goals. Such stored        information is used during order fulfillment and subsequent        performance troubleshooting.

In one embodiment, each of the data stores includes a database thatstores the described data in a structured format and is hosted by thepowertrain configuration device 100. In another embodiment, each of thedata stores include databases that reside on a computing device separatefrom the powertrain configuration device 100, and are accessed by thecomponents via a network. One of ordinary skill in the art willrecognize that, in other embodiments, the data described as being storedin these data stores may be stored by any suitable type of device.

-   -   FIGS. 2A-2H illustrate one embodiment of a method 200 of        designing a vehicle powertrain according to various embodiments        of the present disclosure. From a start block (FIG. 2A), the        method 200 proceeds to a set of method steps 202 defined between        a continuation terminal (“terminal A”) and an exit terminal        (“terminal B”). The set of method steps 202 describe steps in        which vehicle configuration options are obtained from a customer        92 for a desired vehicle.

From terminal A (FIG. 2B), the method 200 proceeds to block 216, wherean interface component 102 presents one or more vehicle configurationoptions to a customer 92. Next, the method 200 proceeds to block 218,where the interface component 102 receives inputs from the customer 92corresponding to each of the presented vehicle configuration options.Next, at block 220, a selection processing component 104 receives one ormore specification values representing vehicle components selected bythe customer 92 from the vehicle configuration options.

The vehicle configuration options include one or more configurablecomponents that make up a vehicle powertrain. For example, the interfacecomponent 102 may present a plurality of engine models, transmissionmodels, rear tire models, and the like to the customer 92, from whichthe customer will make selections to build the powertrain configuration.In one embodiment, the interface component 102 and the selectionprocessing component 104 ensure that the selections made by the customer92 are compatible with one another before allowing the customer 92 toproceed.

-   -   As discussed above, the interface component 102 generates a user        interface that is presented to the user by the interface        component 102 via the client computing device 90. For ease of        discussion, the interface component 102 will be described as        generating and presenting the user interface, as well as        interacting with the customer 92. One of ordinary skill in the        art understands the role played by the client computing device        90 in these activities, and so further discussion of the details        of how the client computing device 90 participates in these        activities has been omitted.    -   The method 200 then proceeds to block 222, where the selection        processing component 104 receives one or more use values        provided by the customer relating to an expected use of the        vehicle. The expected use values help determine a performance        baseline the vehicle should meet in order to provide an adequate        experience to the operator. The expected use values may include        a gross combined weight, an application, a maximum expected        grade, a road surface, a percentage of off-highway operation, a        cruise speed, and the like. The maximum expected grade and road        surface may be specified by the customer 92, or may be retrieved        by the selection processing component 104 upon the selection by        the customer 92 of a particular operating area.

The “application” describes different types of use that may affect thedesired performance profile of the vehicle. For example, the customer 92may be given the choice between a line haul application, a vocationalapplication, and a pickup/delivery application. A vehicle used for aline haul application is expected to spend eight to ten hours a daytraveling at constant highway speeds over long distances. In such anapplication, the system can modify the performance optimization goalsmore aggressively to maximize fuel economy.

A vehicle used for a vocational application is expected to carry varyingamounts of weight through stop-and-go traffic, or to travel other shortdistances before idling for a considerable time. Examples of vocationalapplication vehicles include mixers, snow plows, garbage trucks, and thelike. The system can adjust the performance optimization goals for avocational application more aggressively to maximize gradability, beforeoptimizing for fuel economy.

A vehicle used for a pickup/delivery application is expected to travelmoderate distances through traffic before stopping, such as a citydelivery truck, an ambulance, a fire truck, and the like. The system canchange the performance optimization goals for a pickup/deliveryapplication to increase gradability, though it does not increasegradability as aggressively compared to fuel economy compared to thevocational application.

Next, the method 200 proceeds to terminal B, and then to another set ofmethod steps 204 (FIG. 2A) defined between a continuation terminal(“terminal C”) and an exit terminal (“terminal D”). The set of methodsteps 204 describe steps in which startability of the desired vehicleconfiguration is checked.

-   -   From terminal C (FIG. 2C), the method 200 proceeds to block 224,        where a validation component 106 computes a desired startability        value based on the received use values. A vehicle's        “startability” is the maximum grade at which the vehicle can        start moving from a dead stop. Computation of the desired        startability value starts at the maximum expected grade, and        then references the other use values and the performance data        store 108 to determine how much higher than the maximum expected        grade the desired startability value should be. For example, the        validation component 106 may increase the desired startability        value from the maximum expected grade based on various        anticipated operating conditions, including an expected road        surface that is softer or more slippery than asphalt, a        percentage of off-highway driving, and the like. The validation        component 106 may also increase the desired startability value        by a constant factor, or a constant factor based on the        specified application, to ensure that the startability will        provide adequate performance.

Next, at block 226, the validation component 106 computes a predictedstartability value based on the received specification values. Thepredicted startability value is the maximum grade on which the vehicle,as configured, is predicted to be able to start moving from a dead stop.The validation component 106 may reference the performance data store108 to retrieve performance values for the selected vehicle componentsin order to compute the predicted startability value. For example, thevalidation component 106 may retrieve the torque-at-engagement for theselected engine, the highest gear ratio for the selected transmission,and other relevant performance characteristics of the vehicle componentsfrom the performance data store 108.

The method 200 then proceeds to block 228, where the validationcomponent 106 compares the predicted startability value to the desiredstartability value to determine a startability test value. In oneembodiment, if the predicted startability value is greater than or equalto the desired startability value, the startability test value is“pass;” otherwise, the startability test value is “fail.”

Next, at block 230, the validation component 106 stores the desiredstartability value, the predicted startability value, and thestartability test value for later use. The method 200 then proceeds toblock 232, where the selection processing component 104 transmits thespecification values, use values, and startability values to an orderprocessing component 110. Next, at block 234, the order processingcomponent 110 stores the specification values, use values, andstartability values in an order data store 112 as part of an orderrecord. In one embodiment, each of the specification values and the usevalues are represented by a sales code when stored in the order datastore 112. For example, each powertrain component can be represented bya sales code, as can each application selected by the customer 92. Forother use values, such as the maximum expected grade, the possiblevalues specified by the customer 92 may be broken up into half-percentincrements, each of which is assigned a specific sales code. In anotherembodiment, such free-form use values are stored as numerical values inthe order record.

The method 200 then proceeds to terminal D, and then to another set ofmethod steps 206 (FIG. 2A) defined between a continuation terminal(“terminal E”) and an exit terminal (“terminal F”). The set of methodsteps 206 describe steps in which a selection of an availableperformance goal is obtained.

From terminal E (FIG. 2D), the method 200 proceeds to block 236, wherethe selection processing component 104 determines one or more availablepowertrain optimization goals based on the specification values and theuse values. Powertrain optimization goals may include performance,balance, and fuel economy. Optimizing the powertrain for performanceincludes setting thresholds that prioritize maximizing available powerover other functionality goals such as fuel economy. Optimizing thepowertrain for fuel economy includes setting thresholds that prioritizemaximizing fuel economy over other functionality goals such as power.Optimizing the powertrain for balance includes setting thresholds thatprovide both a reasonable amount of power and a reasonable level of fueleconomy.

Next, at block 238, the interface component 102 presents the availablepowertrain optimization goals to the customer 92. FIG. 3A illustrates anexemplary embodiment of a display of several optimization goal options302. In the illustrated example, each of the powertrain optimizationgoals of performance, balance, and fuel economy are available to thecustomer 92 for the given vehicle configuration selections. However, theinterface component 102 may determine that the selected vehiclecomponents cannot achieve one or more of the powertrain optimizationgoals. For example, the interface component 102 may determine that thereare no available components that could be paired with the selectedengine to meet the thresholds required to achieve the fuel economyoptimization goal, for the specified gross combined weight and cruisespeed. In such a scenario, the interface component 102 does not displaythe fuel economy optimization goal to the customer 92, or displays thefuel economy optimization goal in the optimization goal options 302 areain a disabled state.

The method 200 then proceeds to block 240, where the selectionprocessing component 104 receives a selected powertrain optimizationgoal from the customer 92, and transmits it to the order processingcomponent 110. In one embodiment, the selection processing component 104also saves the selected powertrain optimization goal for later use.Next, in block 242, the order processing component 110 stores theselected powertrain optimization goal in the order data store 112, andthe method proceeds to terminal F.

From terminal F (FIG. 2A), the method 200 proceeds to another set ofmethod steps 208 defined between a continuation terminal (“terminal G”)and an exit terminal (“terminal H”). The set of method steps 208describe steps in which gradability of the desired vehicle configurationis checked. Gradability is the maximum grade at which the vehicle canmaintain its rate of travel at a given engine speed in a giventransmission gear. For example, if a vehicle has a gradability of 2.3%at 50.8 MPH and 1300 RPM, that means that the vehicle could maintainthat speed on a grade of up to 2.3% before the engine and vehicle speedbegin to reduce due to vehicle power demand exceeding available enginepower at 1300 RPM.

-   -   From terminal G (FIG. 2E), the method 200 proceeds to block 244,        where the validation component 106 computes a minimum acceptable        gradability at cruise and a minimum acceptable gradability at        peak torque based on the use values and the optimization goal.        The gradability at cruise is the maximum grade at which the        vehicle as configured can maintain its specified cruising speed        in its top gear. The gradability at peak torque is the maximum        grade at which the vehicle as configured can maintain its speed        in any gear when the engine speed is producing its peak torque.        A reasonable degree of gradability can help improve vehicle fuel        economy by limiting the amount of time the operator drives the        vehicle in a gear lower than top gear. The validation component        106 may compute the minimum acceptable gradability values based        on the application, the chosen performance optimization goal,        and the specified gross combined weight, and may retrieve the        minimum acceptable gradability values from a look-up table        stored in the performance data store 108.

Next, at block 246, the validation component 106 computes a predictedgradability at cruise value and a predicted gradability at peak torquevalue based on the specification values. The method 200 then proceeds toblock 248, where the validation component 106 compares the predictedgradability at cruise value to the minimum acceptable gradability atcruise to determine a gradability at cruise test value, and to block250, where the validation component 106 compares the predictedgradability at peak torque value to the minimum acceptable gradabilityat peak torque to determine a gradability at peak torque test value. Ifthe predicted gradability at cruise value is greater than or equal tothe minimum acceptable gradability at cruise, the gradability at cruisetest value is a “pass” value; otherwise, the gradability at cruise testvalue is a “fail” value. Likewise, if the predicted gradability at peaktorque value is greater than or equal to the minimum acceptablegradability at peak torque, the gradability at peak torque test value isa “pass” value; otherwise, the gradability at peak torque test value isa “fail” value.

In one embodiment, the validation component 106 compares the predictedperformance at the highest transmission gear ratio of the specifiedvehicle configuration to the thresholds related to gradability andengine speed discussed above. In another embodiment, the validationcomponent 106 compares the predicted performance at other transmissiongear ratios, such as the second highest transmission gear ratio, to thethresholds in instances where the use values indicate an extreme usecase.

Maintaining gradability in top gear while traveling at high speeds orwhile carrying a large load is more difficult than maintaininggradability in a lower gear. In an extreme use case, switching to thelower gear when dealing with increased grades can be preferable toconfiguring the vehicle to perform adequately on grades in top gear, atleast because there will be greater configuration options to meet therequirements. Accordingly, in a case where the validation component 106detects an extreme use case, the validation component 106 may indicate a“pass” value if the predicted performance is adequate in the secondhighest gear but not the top gear. For example, if the specified grosscombined weight is higher than a threshold or the specified cruise speedis higher than a threshold, the validation component 106 uses the secondhighest transmission gear ratio, instead of the highest transmissiongear ratio, to calculate the predicted gradability and engine speed fordetermining the test values.

-   -   Next, at block 252, the validation component 106 stores the        predicted gradability at cruise value and corresponding test        value, as well as the predicted gradability at peak torque value        and corresponding test value.

The method 200 then proceeds to terminal H, and to another set of methodsteps 210 defined between a continuation terminal (“terminal I”) and anexit terminal (“terminal J”). The set of method steps 210 describe stepsin which engine speed of the desired vehicle configuration is checked.

From terminal I (FIG. 2F), the method 200 proceeds to block 254, wherethe validation component 106 computes a minimum engine speed and maximumengine speed based on the use values, the specification values, and theoptimization goal. In one embodiment, the minimum engine speed andmaximum engine speed are targets between which the selected engineperforms optimally. For example, the validation component 106 may querythe performance data store 108 based on the engine manufacturerspecifications to determine a performance profile of the engine, andthen find a minimum engine speed and a maximum engine speed that meetthe specified performance goal for the given application. As anotherexample, the validation component 106 may retrieve minimum and maximumengine speeds from a look-up table based on the engine make, theperformance optimization goal, and the application.

Next, at block 256, the validation component 106 computes a predictedengine speed at cruise value for one or more gear ratios based on thespecification values. In one embodiment, the validation component 106computes the predicted engine speed for the highest gear ratio availablefor a selected transmission. The method 200 then proceeds to block 258,where the validation component compares the predicted engine speed atcruise value to the minimum and maximum engine speeds to determine anengine speed test value. If the predicted engine speed at cruise isbetween the minimum and maximum engine speeds, the engine speed testvalue is a “pass” value; otherwise, the engine speed test value is a“fail” value. Next, at block 260, the validation component 106 storesthe minimum engine speed, the maximum engine speed, the predicted enginespeed at cruise value, and the engine speed test value.

The method 200 then proceeds to terminal J, and to another set of methodsteps 212 defined between a continuation terminal (“terminal K”) and anexit terminal (“terminal L”). The set of method steps 212 describe stepsin which additional configuration options are obtained and checked.

From terminal K (FIG. 2G), the method 200 proceeds to block 262, wherethe interface component 102 presents the startability value, thegradability at cruise value, the gradability at peak torque value, andthe cruise engine speed value to the customer, and to block 264, wherethe interface component 102 presents the startability test value, thegradability at cruise test value, the gradability at peak torque testvalue, and the engine speed test value to the customer. As discussedbelow with respect to FIGS. 3A-3D, the interface component 102 maydisplay the results of these computations and test values along withother information to help the customer 92 understand the results of thetests and the performance of the selected vehicle configuration.

Next, at block 266, the interface component 102 determines one or moreadditional configuration options compatible with the previously chosenoptions, each configuration option having one or more values. Forexample, the interface component 102 determines one or more rear axleratios that are functionally compatible with the previously selectedvehicle components. The method 200 proceeds to block 268, where thevalidation component 106 re-evaluates each test value for eachadditional configuration option value, and to block 270, where theinterface component 102 presents each of the one or more additionalconfiguration options to the customer, including indicatingconfiguration option values having positive test values. For example, inFIG. 3A, the interface component 102 has determined a plurality of rearaxle ratios that can be used with the previously selected vehiclecomponents, and has displayed them in a set of rear axle ratio options304. Further, the interface component 102 has displayed the rear axleratios between 3.90 and 4.63 as bold and indented to indicate that theserear axle ratios can meet the selected “performance” optimization goal.

-   -   Next, at block 274, the selection processing component 104        receives a selection from the customer 92 for the one or more        additional configuration options. For example, as depicted in        FIG. 3A, the customer 92 has selected the 4.11 gear ratio.

Alternatively, one of the gear ratios that satisfies the performancegoal (such as the 4.11 gear ratio) may be selected by default. If theselection received by the selection processing component 104 isdifferent from the currently displayed selection, the interfacecomponent 102 recalculates the information shown in the startabilitydisplay 310, the powertrain profile display 312, and the test valuedisplay 314 to reflect the newly selected rear axle ratio.

The method 200 then proceeds to terminal L, and to another set of methodsteps 214 defined between a continuation terminal (“terminal M”) and anexit terminal (“terminal N”). The set of method steps 214 describe stepsin which final customer choices are obtained and stored.

From terminal M (FIG. 2H), the method 200 proceeds to block 276, where,if the customer selected a configuration option value having a negativetest value, the interface component 102 presents a prompt to thecustomer requesting acknowledgement of the negative test. The responseto the prompt is received and stored by the selection processingcomponent 104 along with the rest of the selections provided by thecustomer 92. For example, if the customer 92 selected a rear axle ratiothat does not meet the fuel economy performance optimization goal, thecustomer 92 may acknowledge a prompt that indicates that the customer 92agrees that the selected components will not provide the initiallydesired level of fuel economy.

-   -   Next, at block 278, the selection processing component 104        transmits each customer selection to the order processing        component 110. The method 200 then proceeds to block 280, where        the order processing component 110 saves each customer selection        to the order data store 112, and instructs the interface        component 102 to proceed with an ordering process. The method        200 then proceeds to terminal N, then to an end block (FIG. 2A),        and terminates.

The storage of each customer selection in the order data store 112,including storing an indication that the customer 92 acknowledged afailed test value, can help with troubleshooting vehicle performanceafter the vehicle is delivered. For example, if a customer 92 complainsthat a vehicle that the customer configured with an embodiment of thepresent disclosure is performing with poorer than expected fuel economy,a customer service representative can consult the order record in theorder data store 112 to determine whether the customer 92 ignored anywarnings that poorer that desired fuel economy would result from thecustomer's component selections. The stored customer selections may alsobe used to compare data from a vehicle electronic control unit (ECU),such as vehicle speed data obtained by the ECU from a vehicle speedsensor, engine speed data obtained by the ECU from an engine speedsensor, and the like, to the expected values entered by the customer.This can help determine whether the actual operation of the vehicle isconsistent with the original order specification.

FIG. 3A illustrates one embodiment of a powertrain optimizationinterface 300, according to various embodiments of the presentdisclosure. The powertrain optimization interface 300 includes a set ofoptimization goal options 302, a set of rear axle ratio options 304, anda set of cruise speed options 306. Each of these sets of options areconfigured to accept input from the customer 92, and to cause theselection made by the customer 92 to be transmitted to the selectionprocessing component 104 for further use. Further details concerningthese portions of the powertrain optimization interface 300 wereprovided above.

-   -   The powertrain optimization interface 300 also includes a        vehicle configuration display 308, a startability display 310, a        powertrain profile display 312, and a test value display 314.        The vehicle configuration display 308 provides the various        vehicle configuration options chosen by the customer 92, such as        a make and model of a selected engine, transmission, rear axle,        rear tires, and the like. The vehicle configuration display 308        also provides use conditions specified by the customer 92, such        as an expected rolling resistance, an expected engine fan        operation state, and the like.

The startability display 310 provides a predicted startability value forthe configured vehicle as a maximum percent grade on which the vehicleis expected to be able to start. As illustrated, a predictedstartability value is provided for each of the lowest two transmissionratios. For other vehicle configurations, the startability display 310may also provide information about an auxiliary transmission ratio and atransfer case ratio, for vehicles specifications that include suchequipment. The powertrain optimization interface 300 may also includeone or more interface buttons 316 to allow the customer 92 to navigatethe powertrain optimization and ordering process.

-   -   The powertrain profile display 312 provides information        concerning performance of the configured powertrain. The top two        lines, for example, show the predicted gross torque provided by        the selected engine at various engine speeds. The middle three        lines show predicted performance values for the configured        vehicle in a second highest gear, and the bottom three lines        show predicted performance values for the configured vehicle in        a highest gear. The predicted performance values include a        transmission gear ratio, a rear axle ratio, and a predicted        speed and gradability value for each of the various engine        speeds. The display of this information allows the customer 92        to quickly identify whether the configured vehicle will have        adequate performance within a predicted performance envelope,        and how the vehicle configuration should change to improve        performance to an acceptable level.

The test value display 314 provides the results of the tests performedearlier in the configuration process. In the illustrated embodiment, thetest value display 314 provides both the pass/fail test result value, aswell as text explaining the test that was performed and why the testpassed or failed.

In FIG. 3A, the customer 92 has selected “performance” as anoptimization goal from the optimization goal options 302. As shown inthe test value display 314, this causes the minimum recommendedgradability at peak torque to be 1.3%, and causes the recommendedoperating range for engine speed for the selected engine to be between1450 RPM and 1800 RPM. Since the optimization goal is for performance,the minimum gradability at peak torque is allowed to be higher, and theengine speed range is wider and higher, than if the optimization goalhad been for fuel economy. The illustration also shows that the customer92 has selected a rear axle ratio of 4.11 and a typical operating speedof 60 MPH. These selections lead to the predicted performance values andtest values displayed in the test value display 314. As shown, for thegiven selections, each of the tests has a PASS test value.

FIGS. 3B-3D illustrate how the powertrain optimization interface 300 maychange in response to various changes in input by the customer 92 in oneembodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3B illustrates changes thatoccur when the customer 92 using the powertrain optimization interface300 illustrated previously in FIG. 3A changes the selected powertrainoptimization goal to “fuel economy.” As discussed above, the interfacecomponent 102 calculates which rear axle ratios will meet theoptimization goals, and highlights only those rear axle ratios whichmeet the goals. When optimizing for performance, FIG. 3A shows that anyrear axle ratio between 3.90 and 4.63 will meet the optimization goal.As shown in FIG. 3B, only rear axle ratios between 3.36 and 3.70 arehighlighted, as only they will meet the fuel economy optimization goalif all other vehicle configuration options stay the same. Since the 4.11rear axle ratio remains selected, the test value display 314 shows thatthe engine speed test now fails due to the lower and smaller recommendedoperating range. The test value display 314 also includes an additionalprompt stating which test failed and explaining why.

FIG. 3C illustrates how the powertrain optimization interface 300 ofFIG. 3B changes once the customer 92 selects a rear axle ratio of 3.36.Changing the selected rear axle ratio causes the selection processingcomponent 104 to recalculate the values within the startability display310 and the powertrain profile display 312. Since the rear axle ratio islower, the available power will be lower (as illustrated by the lowerpredicted startability values and predicted gradability values), but theengine speed at a given operating speed will be lower (as illustrated bythe higher speed values at a given engine speed). Since the engine speedvalue at the specified typical operating speed lies within the narrowrecommended operating range for the fuel economy optimization goal, theengine speed test value is now PASS, and the test value display 314 nolonger includes the prompt explaining the failed test.

FIG. 3D illustrates how the powertrain optimization interface 300 ofFIG. 3C changes once the customer 92 raises the typical operating speedfrom 60 MPH to 70 MPH. Since the selected rear axle ratio has notchanged, the values within the startability display 310 and thepowertrain profile display 312 need not be recalculated, though thehighlighted rear axle ratios in the rear axle ratio options 304 haveagain changed. The test value display 314 now shows that the enginespeed test value is now FAIL, since even in top gear, the engine speedwould be 1465 RPM at 70 MPH. The customer 92 is prompted by the testvalue display 314 that a lower rear axle ratio will be able to meet thefuel economy performance goal at 70 MPH.

The use of the particular vehicle performance measurements describedabove is exemplary only, and should not be considered limiting. Inanother embodiment, other vehicle performance measurements could beoptimized. For example, instead of calculating minimum and maximumengine speed and determining whether the engine speed at cruise wouldfall between those values, the validation component 106 may calculate amaximum relative fuel consumption based on the performance optimizationgoal and the application, or may obtain a maximum relative fuelconsumption based on customer drive cycle data. The validation component106 may then calculate a predicted relative fuel consumption based onthe engine, transmission, tires, and application specified by thecustomer 92, along with customer drive cycle data. The engine speed testvalue discussed above would then be replaced by a fuel consumption testvalue obtained by comparing the predicted relative fuel consumption tothe maximum relative fuel consumption. As stated, analysis of othervehicle performance factors may also be possible.

While illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and described, itwill be appreciated that various changes can be made therein withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. Although themethod and various embodiments thereof have been described as performingsequential steps, the invention is not intended to be so limited. Asnonlimiting examples, the described steps need not be sequential and/ornot all steps are required to perform the method. As such, one ofordinary skill will appreciate that such examples are within the scopeof the claimed embodiments.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property orprivilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. A vehicle having averifiably optimized powertrain, the vehicle comprising: an electroniccontrol unit (ECU); and a powertrain; wherein the powertrain isconfigured by a computing device by: obtaining, by the computing device,a set of specification values and an optimization goal achievable for atleast one expected use value; obtaining, by the computing device, a setof additional configuration options compatible with the set ofspecification values; for each additional configuration option of theset of additional configuration options, calculating, by the computingdevice, a test value associated with the additional configuration optionbased on the optimization goal; presenting, by the computing device, theset of additional configuration options along with an indication ofwhich additional configuration options of the set of additionalconfiguration options are associated with a positive test value; andcausing the powertrain to be configured according to one or moreadditional configuration option selections received by the computingdevice; and wherein the ECU is configured to: collect use datacomprising at least one of vehicle speed data and engine speed data; andpresent the collected use data for comparison to the at least oneexpected use value for determining whether actual operation of thevehicle is consistent with the expected use value.
 2. The vehicle ofclaim 1, wherein calculating a test value further comprises calculatinga gradability at peak torque test value, and wherein the test value isbased on the gradability at peak torque test value.
 3. The vehicle ofclaim 1, wherein calculating a test value further comprises calculatinga gradability at cruise test value, and wherein the test value is basedon the gradability at cruise test value.
 4. The vehicle of claim 1,wherein calculating a test value further comprises calculating an enginespeed test value, and wherein the test value is based on the enginespeed test value.
 5. The vehicle of claim 4, wherein calculating theengine speed test value includes calculating a minimum engine speed anda maximum engine speed based on the set of specification values and theoptimization goal.
 6. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein calculating a testvalue includes computing threshold values based on the set ofspecification values and the optimization goal.
 7. The vehicle of claim1, further comprising obtaining the one or more expected use values. 8.The vehicle of claim 7, wherein calculating a test value includescomputing threshold values based on the one or more expected use values.9. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein calculating a test value includescalculating test values for more than one transmission gear ratio inresponse to detecting an extreme use case.
 10. The vehicle of claim 1,further comprising at least one of a vehicle speed sensor or an enginespeed sensor.